cyptomcat
Ramblin' Wreck
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http://espn.go.com/blog/acc/post/_/id/77137/acc-week-12-predictions
Adelson: One big reason: Deshaun Watson. Clemson has a formidable defensive front, and that is obviously a huge advantage going against the rolling Georgia Tech offense. But having Watson back in the lineup against a mediocre Georgia Tech defense is going to be the key difference. His presence alone is worth at least 20 additional points, considering the way the Tigers scored with him playing an entire game -- 91 points against North Carolina and NC State; 90 total points in the next four games with Watson relegated to the sideline. Georgia Tech ranks No. 13 in the ACC in total defense, and has given up 33 touchdowns this season -- third worst in the league. The Clemson offense should come back to life in this one. Clemson 35, Georgia Tech 28
Hale: Yes, Clemson’s defense is stout, and it hasn't allowed much on the ground since a Week 1 loss to Georgia. But keep this in mind, too: The Tigers have faced just one team since UGA that ranks in the top 20 in rushing. It has faced four that rank 100 or worse. And looking back on that Georgia game, Clemson had no answers for the Bulldogs' ground game. Georgia Tech will stretch the Clemson D, and with safety Robert Smith suspended for the first half, that’s bad news for the Tigers. Add Justin Thomas' big-play threat and there’s every reason to think the Jackets will be the biggest offensive threat Clemson has faced all year. On the other side of the ball, Clemson’s running game has struggled all year, so the game will be all about Watson, who hasn't played in more than a month. Georgia Tech 35, Clemson 28
Adelson: One big reason: Deshaun Watson. Clemson has a formidable defensive front, and that is obviously a huge advantage going against the rolling Georgia Tech offense. But having Watson back in the lineup against a mediocre Georgia Tech defense is going to be the key difference. His presence alone is worth at least 20 additional points, considering the way the Tigers scored with him playing an entire game -- 91 points against North Carolina and NC State; 90 total points in the next four games with Watson relegated to the sideline. Georgia Tech ranks No. 13 in the ACC in total defense, and has given up 33 touchdowns this season -- third worst in the league. The Clemson offense should come back to life in this one. Clemson 35, Georgia Tech 28
Hale: Yes, Clemson’s defense is stout, and it hasn't allowed much on the ground since a Week 1 loss to Georgia. But keep this in mind, too: The Tigers have faced just one team since UGA that ranks in the top 20 in rushing. It has faced four that rank 100 or worse. And looking back on that Georgia game, Clemson had no answers for the Bulldogs' ground game. Georgia Tech will stretch the Clemson D, and with safety Robert Smith suspended for the first half, that’s bad news for the Tigers. Add Justin Thomas' big-play threat and there’s every reason to think the Jackets will be the biggest offensive threat Clemson has faced all year. On the other side of the ball, Clemson’s running game has struggled all year, so the game will be all about Watson, who hasn't played in more than a month. Georgia Tech 35, Clemson 28